Renormalizing breastfeeding as the preferred nutrition for infants is the long-term goal of events such as the Cole County Breastfeeding Celebration at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Capital Mall in Jefferson City.
Before World War I, a new mother's best place for answers was family and neighbors, because they all nursed, said Renee Davis, a certified lactation consultant.
"Now, many women don't know anyone who has breastfed," Davis said. "We're rebuilding a web of familiarity."
The decline in the number of mothers breastfeeding hit its lowest in the 1970s. Then, science and research revealed mother's milk remains the healthiest course.
Today, about 77 percent of mothers are choosing breastfeeding, Davis said.
"It's starting to be the standard again," Davis said.
The most important piece for these mothers is support.
Thursday's event, the third annual in Jefferson City, celebrates breastfeeding mothers, past, present and future, as well as those who encourage them.
Displays from hospitals and pharmacies, private businesses and support groups, will show the widespread community investment in mothers and infants.
One of the major drawbacks for new mothers is having the answers when they need them. In Cole County, lactation consultants are available at both hospitals and at Whaley's Pharmacy.
And a resource guide, developed by Cole County Breastfeeding Support Groups, is given to each new mom after her delivery at local hospitals or at the Cole County Health Department.
"People want to be successful," Davis said. "We're responding to the demands for resources."